Job Maastricht University - PhD-student, FHML/School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Pathology

Clinical complications of atherosclerosis, i.e. myocardial infarction and stroke, result from rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. Plaque rupture is driven by inflammation, angiogenesis, cell death (apoptosis) and inadequate removal of dead cells (efferocytosis). Recently we demonstrated hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in macrophages of advanced murine and human plaques. Hypoxia stimulates processes detrimental for atherogenesis, i.e. inflammation, apoptosis and angiogenesis, but its role in the development of atherosclerosis is unknown.

In this project you will study the effect of atherosclerotic plaque hypoxia on inflammation, apoptosis and efferocytosis in the plaque and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The experimental techniques involve basic research in cell culture models of cell death and dead cell removal, and genetic and pharmaceutical interventions in animal models of atherosclerosis. Techniques include bone marrow transplantation, isolation of cell populations, gene expression interventions and gene/protein expression analysis, immunohistochemistry and (confocal) microscopy.

Applicants should have a degree in Biology, Health Sciences or Medicine with an interest in cardiovascular research. Individuals with prior experience in cell culture and/or small animal models are encouraged to apply. You should display great team spirit, perseverance, a driven, independent and curious nature and excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. 

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ , A-Z Terms of Employment.

Temporary employment for 4 years.
Your salary would be € 2.042,-- gross per month in the first year up to € 2.612,-- gross per month in the fourth year according to the PhD-student salary scale.
Each year an evaluation will take place.

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 14,000 students and 3,500 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

The Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht offers an outstanding scientific environment including shared core-facilities equipped with state-of-art instrumentation and knowledge and an international reputation of excellence in research. The experimental vascular pathology lab (www.evpath.nl) consists of 25 international researchers involved in inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque stability. An extensive network of collaborations is maintained with leading research groups at a local level within CARIM and the MUMC, as well as at a national and international level.

For additional information you may contact
Dr. Judith Sluimer
tel: +31-(0)433874630
email: judith.sluimer@path.unimaas.nl
or
Prof. Mat Daemen
email: mat.daemen@path.unimaas.nl